GECs
Readers Digest sold for $1.6 billion
MUMBAI: Reader’s Digest Association which publishes of one of the most widely read magazines in the world Readers Digest has sold the magazine for $1.6 billion to Ripplewood Holdings
As well as its flagship magazine, the company publishes a range of other titles, markets CDs and puts on book fairs. The buy-out also means that the the consortium will take on debts of about $800,000.
Media reports add that although its magazine circulates to 18 million people in 21 languages, the business has struggled to appeal to the younger readers prized by advertisers. Readers Digest has struggled to compete with new media both for readers and advertising.
The basic strategy Ripplewood will adopt is to improve operating efficiencies, optimise cost structure and supply chain, and drive the revenue growth.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
